Paul Scholes vs Hidetoshi Nakata: Stats Compared
Central Midfielder, England (born 1974, retired 2013) · Attacking Midfielder, Japan (born 1977, retired 2006)
Paul Scholes and Hidetoshi Nakata represent two answers to the same question: how do you define a great? Style separates them as much as statistics: two players, two unmistakable signatures. Paul Scholes finishes with 169 career goals from 784 games — a 0.22 strike rate — against Hidetoshi Nakata's 60 from 400 at 0.15 per match. The assist columns read 75 for Paul Scholes and 60 for Hidetoshi Nakata where the record exists. Trophy counts give Paul Scholes 17 and Hidetoshi Nakata 1, with 2× UEFA Champions League (1999, 2008) and 1× Serie A (2001) the standout honours respectively. Paul Scholes played with a orchestrating that made him unmistakable; Hidetoshi Nakata brought a creative that was equally his own. The wider career context matters too: Paul Scholes peaked around 2008 after representing Manchester United, while Hidetoshi Nakata's defining level came around 2001 across Bellmare Hiratsuka, Perugia, Roma, Parma, Bologna, Fiorentina, Bolton Wanderers. Few pairings invite such entrenched disagreement, and fewer still deserve it this much.
165 words · comparison angle: style
Player profiles
Manchester United midfielder renowned for his passing range and vision; two-time Champions League winner.
“A short-sighted, single-touch midfielder whose passing range was unmatched in his generation.”
The first Japanese footballer to become a global superstar, Nakata's move to Serie A in 1998 opened the door for a generation of Japanese players in Europe.
“A composed, technically excellent attacking midfielder blessed with an outstanding range of passing and shooting from distance.”
Head-to-head stats
Career goals by season
Representative career seasons — goals per season for each player across their documented clubs.
Attribute radar
Attribute ratings are peak-era, 0–100. Different positions naturally skew the profile.
Attribute comparison
Trophy breakdown
- 2× UEFA Champions League (1999, 2008)
- 11× Premier League
- 3× FA Cup (1996, 1999, 2004)
- 1× FIFA Club World Cup (2008)
- 1× Serie A (2001)
Trophy distribution
Career milestones
- 1994 Manchester United debut
- 1996 First Premier League title
- 1999 Treble winner with Manchester United
- 2003 Briefly retired from England duty
- 2008 Second Champions League winner
- 2011 Came out of retirement to help Manchester United
- 2013 Retired for good at Manchester United
- 1995 Professional debut for Bellmare Hiratsuka
- 2001 Won Serie A with Roma
- 2001 Reached the peak of his powers at Roma
- 2006 Retired after a final spell at Bolton Wanderers
- Finished his career with 60 goals in 400 appearances and 1 major honours. Finished his career with 60 goals in 400 appearances and 1 major honours.
The verdict
If forced to pick, Paul Scholes is the choice: a decisive margin, with a sharper goalscoring record the deciding factor.
Paul Scholes edges it (a decisive margin)
